Report highlights economic viability of geothermal in Basel-Lanschaft, Switzerland
Pfeffingen, Basel-Landschaft, Schweiz
The canton of Basel-Landschaft in Switzerland has published a report on the economic viability of geothermal projects and priority geothermal plays.
The government council of the canton of Basel-Landschaft in Switzerland has published a report that explains the potential of geothermal energy in the canton, and identifies potentially interesting sites for development. The report was written in cooperation with regional energy suppliers Primeo Energie, EBL, and IWB.
Click here to read the full report (in German), “Geothermal potential of the canton of Basel-Landschaft: Economic efficiency assessment.”
The report focuses on geothermal heat generation from medium to greater depths (1500 to 4000 meters), corresponding to potential temperatures of 40 to 120 °C. It targets the development of hydrothermal systems, which offer larger heat outputs than geothermal probe systems.
Initial estimates indicate that there is significant potential for geothermal heating in Basel-Landschaft, with theoretical output between 200 to 1900 GWh per annum. Thus, the government council has been tasked to conduct targeted exploration to develop this geothermal potential through the following steps:
- Develop an exploration strategy for the subsurface
- Develop a strategy for development and financing
- Create models and legal frameworks for geothermal energy use
- Design risk guarantee and concession models
The current report is part of the first step, as the council recognizes that evaluating both the geologic potential and economic viability will aid in developing supporting measures, particularly financial ones.
The analysis indicates that two particular geothermal plays at medium depths, in combination with heat pumps, exhibit the best economic potential in the canton:
- Play A1 – Jura Plateau / Muschelkalk is an economically attractive setting for energy suppliers, larger areas, or individual buildings
- Play D – Rhine Valley Flexure presents positive economic results in the area of direct use.
Play D is notable as the same geological play as the Riehen geothermal system, which has been supplying heating to the district network for more than 30 years with work ongoing for further expansion. Play C (Top Crystalline) can then be considered a second priority.
To address the discovery risk of geothermal projects and the high investment costs needed for development, the report recommend targeted financial incentive systems to reduce risk and enable investment. Thus, the report recommends four pillars of an ideal cantonal exploration and financing strategy:
- Advisory group and preparatory work . Coordination between the canton, energy suppliers and experts to define specific goals and priorities, as well as professional support.
- Optimization of the legal framework . Acceleration of the implementation of geothermal projects through the reduction of administrative hurdles and optimized approval, concession, and supervisory processes.
- Targeted support measures . Development of financial instruments, in particular investment contributions and geothermal guarantees, to make the discovery risk manageable for private investors and to supplement federal funding.
- Acquisition of primary data . Systematic collection of geological data to improve knowledge about the subsurface and reduce uncertainties.
Source: Geothermie Schweiz
